Patriots' Brian Tyms learns how to take professional approach

Sunday

Aug 24, 2014 at 7:30 PMAug 24, 2014 at 7:31 PM

By Jennifer Toland TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

FOXBORO — After the last public practice of training camp, a fan presented Patriots wide receiver Brian Tyms with a replica Randy Moss Raiders jersey, which Tyms now keeps neatly folded on a shelf in his locker, but will happily unfurl at the mention of his favorite player and professional mentor's name.

At the start of his NFL journey two years ago, Tyms spent time with Moss, the former Patriots record-setting receiver, in 49ers training camp.

"I learned how to be a pro," Tyms said. "I learned how to focus better, to execute better, and I learned the business. I learned to be more mature, how to watch film, what to watch for. (Moss) wasn't sitting down with me — he was just like, 'Hey, follow my lead.' I watched everything he did, how he worked out, how he ate. I'm just trying to be great, so I watch great players. Everything they do I try to put into my regimen, and if it works for me, I keep it."

Tyms made San Francisco's practice squad in 2012, and was later signed by the Dolphins. He played seven games for the Browns last season. The Patriots signed the 25-year-old Tyms July 27, and he is making a case to be in team's wide receiver mix in 2014.

Tyms had a solid camp and caught touchdown passes in each of the Patriots' first two preseason games. Tyms had five catches for 119 yards in the Washington game. He mimicked Moss' TD celebration after scoring against the Eagles. He had one reception for 15 yards in Friday night's game against Carolina at Gillette Stadium.

"Some people talk about the big plays I have made, but I've left a lot out there," Tyms said. "The balls people say were overthrown I felt personally I could have got to, so I've just got to take better releases off corners, and even on special teams, there's a lot of stuff I can do better. So I'm not too, 'Hey, I'm killing it.'

"I know I have a lot to work on. I'm not where I should be. I have a lot of expectations, especially coming behind all those receivers ahead of me. All those guys are really good players. I feel like I have to match their intensity. That's what I have to do all the time."

Tyms is fighting for a spot in New England, and he will keep fighting. His resiliency has got him this far.

Tyms was born in Kent, Washington, but after being taken from his abusive parents spent much of his childhood living in group and foster homes in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, area. For a period, he was homeless.

But not hopeless.

After high school, Tyms enrolled in Broward Community College, and that eventually led to an opportunity to walk on to the football team at Florida A&M and then pursue his NFL dreams.

"I just don't give up," Tyms said. "I have a lot of pride, and that's probably what kept me from giving up. I always feel like I have to prove somebody wrong.

"I have a lot of pride," Tyms repeated. "I'm very competitive, and I'm very hard on myself. I feel like I should learn from every play, even if the ball is thrown too high or too far. I should be able to get to it. I work out that hard. I go that hard."

Tyms obviously missed valuable time with the Patriots in the spring and joining the team four days into training camp, but coach Bill Belichick said Tyms has caught up quickly.

"There are still a lot of things he can improve on," Belichick said. "We'll just have to see how it all turns out, but Brian has been a great guy to have on the team — his work ethic, his toughness, his competitiveness has been really good to have and to work with. He's worked hard to improve every day, so you can't really ask any more than that."

In February, Tyms tested positive for a banned substance (Adderall) and is suspended for the first four games of the season. He won't count against the Patriots' 53-man roster during that period, and when he is eligible to come back could be good insurance in case of injury to another receiver early in the season.

Tyms' first month here has been a positive experience.

"It's really professional, there's a lot of communication with the coaching staff, and it's a great locker room," Tyms said. "Everyone has been really helpful. Even though we're all competing for spots, it's not threatening. Everybody is real cordial. It feels great. I love it here."

Team cuts three veterans

ESPN reported on Sunday the Patriots cut three veterans, defensive linemen Tommy Kelly and Will Smith, along with linebacker James Anderson.

Kelly and Smith were both coming off torn ACLs from the 2013 season. Kelly, 33, was a starter before suffering his injury last year, while the 32-year-old Smith, who was signed in the offseason after spending 10 years with New Orleans, was competing to backup Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich.

The 31-year-old Anderson was signed to a one-year deal with New England in the offseason and was expected to add depth at linebacker.

Contact Jennifer Toland at jtoland@telegram.com. Follow her on Twitter @JenTandG.